Workers’ compensation coverage in Statesboro begins as soon as your first day of work. Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits if you are hurt on the job. You may run into issues getting the full benefits you need, though. If you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, a Statesboro workers’ compensation lawyer should be your first call.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been dedicated to helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve for more than 20 years. Workers’ compensation should provide compensation for your medical costs, weekly wage benefits, and more. To make sure you are not missing out on everything you’re entitled to receive, call us for a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000.
There is no risk to work with us because we don’t take a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. To schedule your free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What You Can Receive from Workers’ Compensation in Statesboro
Workers’ compensation typically covers all of your costs resulting from the accident. That includes:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Test and surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Weekly income benefits
Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits
As long as you see an authorized physician under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, you should be eligible for reimbursement and payment of all your medical costs.
According to Georgia Code section 34-9-201, your employer must provide one of two options for medical care:
- A “Panel of Physicians” of at least six physicians who you can reasonably access
- A managed care organization that is certified through the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) with information on how to contact the eligible service providers
If your employer provides the Panel of Physicians, you have the right to make one change between physicians without first requesting authorization from the SBWC. If you have any questions about choosing a physician for treatment of your work injuries, contact your employer. If you are still having trouble getting the information you need, reach out to your workers’ compensation lawyer right away.
Workers’ Compensation Income Benefits
If your work injury prevents you from working for at least seven days, you are eligible for total temporary disability benefits through workers’ compensation. Here’s what you need to know about these benefits:
- You’ll be paid weekly at two-thirds of the average weekly wage you were making before your injury.
- The weekly payments are capped at $675 per week and a maximum of 400 weeks.
- Your first check will be mailed within 21 days from the first missed workday.
- If your injury prevents you from working for over 21 consecutive workdays, you will also receive payment for the first seven days you missed work.
Total temporary disability benefits are meant to provide you with income until you can return to work. To reduce how much they pay you, the insurance company might pressure you to return to work before you’re actually ready or fully recovered. If this happens, contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Statesboro immediately.
You should not have to go back to work until you are well enough to do so, and returning too soon can prevent you from getting the full benefits you need.
If your injury leaves you with a permanent or long-term disability, you may be eligible for additional benefits. In some situations, you can receive benefits for life.
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How to Know If Your Injuries Are Covered
Unlike personal injury claims where one or more parties are “at fault” and liable for damages, workers’ compensation claims do not account for fault at all.
As long as your injury happened while on the job, it does not matter:
- Who caused your injuries
- How the injury happened
- Whether or not the injury was related to your job duties
The purpose of workers’ compensation is to provide you with benefits and prevent a lawsuit between you and your employer, so there’s no need for one party to blame another. If your injury occurred at work, it is typically covered.
Situations Where Workers’ Compensation Is Covered Off-site
There are some circumstances where you might still be able to recover workers’ compensation while away from your usual work site. Off-site injuries might be covered while:
- Traveling for your job
- Attending an off-site meeting
- Driving a company vehicle
- Running an errand for your boss during work hours
- Working remotely
- Attending a work party
- In the work parking lot
These can be gray areas, so it’s best to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer if you’re not sure.
Psychological Injuries Are Often Covered
Costs of emotional traumas or other psychological injuries are often covered under workers’ compensation—as long as they are a result of a physical injury. You might be able to file for compensation for mental health treatment and other expenses related to emotional damages.
The Insurance Company Might Make It Difficult to Get the Benefits You Deserve
Although workers’ compensation should cover the cost of any injuries you suffer on your job, the insurance companies don’t always make it easy. Insurance companies don’t like to pay out much on any type of claim because they care most about their bottom line. They might use tactics like:
- Questioning the severity of your injuries
- Sending you to a doctor who does not have your best interests in mind
- Taking a long time to respond to your claim
- Pressuring you to return to work before you’re ready
These are some of the biggest reasons injured workers hire workers’ compensation lawyers to help with their claims. You should not have to struggle to get approved for the benefits you are legally entitled to receive. Contact an experienced lawyer today and make sure your rights are protected.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Statesboro for Free Today
Don’t wait to get started on your workers’ compensation claim. You typically have 30 days to report your accident to your employer and one year to file your claim. That time goes quickly, but an experienced lawyer can make sure you are up-to-date with each deadline.
At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure your claim accounts for all of your costs and the benefits you deserve to receive. Don’t give left paying for the costs or missed work time resulting from your work injury. Contact us today at (404) 400-4000 or online to get started with a FREE consultation.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
